It is with regret we announce the passing of Mrs. Rachel Evelyn Moyers Harwell, age 82, of Fayetteville, TN. Rachel was born on February 5, 1938 in Lincoln County, TN to the late George Paschal and Thelma B Wallace Moyers. She passed away on November 11, 2020 at Huntsville Hospital.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from George Peabody College (now known as Vanderbilt University). She taught Elementary Education with Lincoln County School System and later in Michigan. At heart, Mrs. Harwell was an Artist. As an artist, her primary medium was water color paintings, many examples of which grace homes in Lincoln County and in the Washington, DC area, where she lived for many years.
Rachel had a heart for giving back to her community. She would give back anyway possible by serving on civic boards or volunteering with church. Rachel and her husband, Jim, moved often, living in Michigan, East Tennessee, Texas, Ethiopia, Oklahoma, and Maryland. Rachel supported Jim in his 30 years of Military service, including, 15 years in the U.S. Air Force and 15 years in the Commission Corps of U.S. Public Health Service.
Dr. & Mrs. Harwell returned to Fayetteville in 1999, to live on the family farm where Rachel grew up. She was heavily involved in the community where she served on the board at Fayetteville Main Street, Junior Round Dozen, the Lincoln County Museum, and PEO Program of Continuing Education, PEO Executive Office- Treasurer, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 in Memory of Rachel Harwell, Ch. J-Huntsville, AL.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, James Franklin Harwell; sister, Martha Lou (Jochen) Hoffmann of Arlington, VA; brother, Richard Edward (Suzie) Moyers of Fayetteville; brother-in-law, Walter Crawford of Nashville; nephews, Andrew (Melissa) Moyers of Ooltewah, TN, Edward (Corynn) Moyers of Tullahoma, TN, Nathan (Allison) Moyers of Phoenix, AZ, Brent (Clare) Moyers of Garland, TX, and Dr. Morgan (Terri) Crawford of Durham, NC; and niece, Jennifer (Tom) Stootsberry of Kingston Springs. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harwell was preceded in death by her brother, George Jackson Moyers and sister-in-law, Connie Harwell Crawford.
A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bruce McVey officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blanche School Library, Attn.: Judy Conley, Librarian, 1649 Ardmore Highway, Taft, TN 38488 or PEO of Huntsville, AL.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Rachel Evelyn Harwell.
20 Comments To "Rachel Evelyn Moyers Harwell"
#1 Comment By Wanda Shelton On November 12, 2020 @ 5:37 pm
Oh I am so very sorry to see this! May God bless and keep this family in His embrace. I loved every meeting we attended together over the years!
#2 Comment By Anita Norman On November 12, 2020 @ 6:55 pm
Richard and Suzie I’m so sorry to hear about Rachel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
#3 Comment By Lynn Brown On November 12, 2020 @ 7:24 pm
So sorry to hear this, prays sent out to the family.
#4 Comment By Jimmy and Sarah Pendergrass On November 12, 2020 @ 7:27 pm
Our community has lost a gracious lady. She made an impact on so many lives through her tireless efforts in serving others. Our sympathy to Jim and family.
#5 Comment By Angie Mullins On November 12, 2020 @ 8:11 pm
Dr Harwell I am so very sorry for your loss! I so loved my visits with Rachel every 6 months at Dr Drewry’s office. She was always so kind and sweet. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
#6 Comment By Lenace Hyde On November 12, 2020 @ 8:36 pm
Prayers for Mrs. Rachel’s family at this time. Sorry for your loss.
Lenace Hyde
#7 Comment By Alice Holman Ahrens On November 13, 2020 @ 5:56 am
Rachel was a friend who was very helpful and kind.
We’ll remember her in our prayers.
#8 Comment By Cynthia Williams On November 13, 2020 @ 7:23 am
Rachel was a delightful person – very caring and thoughtful! She and Jim reached out to Jack and I eleven years ago when we first visited First Presbyterian Church. We got to know them right away and bonded as retired military families. I will remember Rachel for the way she seemed to enjoy our adult children. I will also remember the fabulous food that she prepared!
#9 Comment By Peggy, Rhonda, Dean Bevels On November 13, 2020 @ 7:29 am
Jim, We have been Blessed to have you & Rachel in our lives and in Lincoln County for all your Selfless Service to of which The Lincoln County Museum is first in our Hearts. May the Good Lord wrap his arms around you and guide and give you the Strength needed to endure.
Many Prayers, Peggy Bevels,
Rhonda & Dean Bevels.
#10 Comment By Linda F. Williams On November 13, 2020 @ 7:43 am
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
#11 Comment By Cecimil Maldonado On November 13, 2020 @ 3:16 pm
My most sincere condolences for your lost. My family and I will keep you all in our prayers.
#12 Comment By Teresa Brown On November 13, 2020 @ 4:08 pm
Rachel became my friend with community involvement. The memorial gifts to Blanche School will be greatly appreciated. The librarian at the school’s mother was a childhood friend of Rachel’s. The librarian was only given $1,000 for library books. Each book will say Rachel Harwell memorial.
#13 Comment By Billy Gray & Patsy On November 13, 2020 @ 4:49 pm
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a dear friend. You and the family are in our prayers.
#14 Comment By Patsy Crawford On November 13, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
Rachel was always one of my favorite bridge partners. I loved seeing her! I loved being with her! I will miss her!!
May our loving God bless those of us who grieve for her.
#15 Comment By Suzanne Letscher Kurras On November 14, 2020 @ 12:50 pm
I am sick with thoughts. My sweet dear pal- I still have her on my recorder telling of all the prayers her good friend -a kind priest had gathered from many for my son. She was excited Jim was home. We were friends for over 40 years and our last conversation was very upbeat.. I am beyond saddened.
#16 Comment By Hailu Kinde On November 14, 2020 @ 2:29 pm
Dear Dr. Harwell,
I am so sorry to learn about your loss of your dear wife, your friend, Rachael Harwell. May the Lord bless her soul. She was a wonderful, loving, and caring person. She made a positive impact on my life when you invited me to stay at your home in Potomac, MD while I was still in transition to my new life here in the US. She meant a lot to me and my family and we miss her dearly. May the Lord be with you and give you comfort in these difficult times.
#17 Comment By Mary Ann and George Triplett On November 14, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
Rachel taught me to paint. But with that she taught me the love of watercolors, and seeing the world in a beautiful and different view. I always think of Rachel when I pick up a paint brush or look at Rachel’s painting above my mantel. Love you Rachel and thinking of you Jim
Mary Ann And George
#18 Comment By Kay Campbell On November 14, 2020 @ 10:16 pm
Rachel was one of the most cheerful, welcoming, loving, creative, positive people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. She created beauty in every interaction. I sure will miss her — and will love remembering the conversations we had!
#19 Comment By Jeanie Hyde On November 17, 2020 @ 9:48 am
Jim, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Many will miss Rachel and her giving spirit in Fayetteville.
#20 Comment By Wayve Dennison On November 17, 2020 @ 8:45 pm
I just found out; this breaks my heart. She was one of the most positive, energetic, and (my ultimate compliment) useful people on Earth. She and Dr. Jim were such a team! My deepest sympathy to the family. She will be truly missed by many.